Would appreciate some feedback for a starter that hasn’t started

[Rob Titus]

Separating from the military in about 2 months, after 14 years. Staying here in Jax, FL because I love it. I have been reading and watching about everything and under stand there is no “right way” to do it, but i just want to express my thoughts and questions and get some feedback before i pull the trigger on some of my steps. This is my plan and feel free to tell me what I’m doing right or wrong.

First note: i DO NOT have a **** ton of cash sitting around. But i do have a decent amount of equity in my primary home and some money in my retirement account. 

Funding: my plan is to shop around hard money lenders for purchase and rehab for best rates/fees/down payment. This brings up my first question(s). [Will a HML let me use a HELOC for the down payment and fees?] [Im also aware that most lenders require up to 6 months of reserves. Will they accept a HELOC as reserves also?] [Should i target a low priced property to reduce the amount i need to borrow?] My plan is to make interest payments with savings/income possibly HELOC.

Process: This is where i am the most lost. What do i do first, second, third etc.? Im just gunna throw everything out there and see what y’all say. 

Shop around for lenders, find a property (wholesaler/investor friendly agent), get a team together (contractors/inspector), walk the property with contractor? Inspector? or both? For rehab estimate

Side questions: Do i NEED a real estate lawyer? Are there any other “cover my ***” pieces i need to have? 

I know this is a loaded post and thank you to whoever takes the time to help!